Latest HERE Maps beta adds new interface, contextual menu

Nokia has rolled out a new beta version of its HERE mapping service that introduces a new interface. The app now features a contextual menu that is activated by a long press anywhere on the map. Doing so brings up a menu with location information, along with options to share, get directions or start navigation to that location.

Those interested in trying out the beta need to be running an Android handset with 4.1 Jelly Bean or higher, 1GB RAM and screen size ranging from 4 to 6.9 inches. If your device meets the requirements, you can enroll in the beta program by joining HERE's Google group, navigating to this link from a mobile browser and clicking on "Become a Tester" button. After that, head to the Play Store and update or install the HERE app.

Got feedback? Be sure to share your thoughts on how Nokia can improve HERE Maps by sending a mail to beta@here.com.

With its offline capabilities, Nokia's solution is a decent alternative to Google's default Maps client. How many of you use HERE Maps on your Android device?

Thanks for your feedback, Paul. HERE for Android usually provides 3 alternative routes and gives you the options to customize the route by excluding toll roads, ferries, etc. Let us know what other options you would like to see.

Hi, until I can decide my own route (with waypoints) then I can't use this app. Looks promising but if I know some parts of the route I want to take or because some friends/family recommended I drive by this road and this place instead of the "main" route Here suggests, I'd like to be able to do that myself. Until then, it's a definite no-go for me. Also, perhaps a way to do routing using a PC browser and sending the save route to the Android app. (much easier to do waypoints using a PC than an app)

Hello "haikus". Are you one of the devs of HERE ?
If so, here's what I think about it, as an Israeli user :
1. Can't change the interface language. Please add this. In my country, it's important to read at least the roads and streets in Hebrew, It would also be nice to have the speech in Hebrew
2. When choosing to go to navigation mode, I don't see the long click on the map doing anything, as opposed to what the video shows.
3. zoom via the single finger gesture doesn't work.
4. Why does a navigation app need registration? And why can't it use G+ for SSO ?
5, Searching addresses in Hebrew does not show suggestions, and it can't navigate to streets in Hebrew. For some reason, it can navigate to cities names.
6. You should consider adding navigation to contacts' addresses, and a widget (or launcher shortcut) to quickly navigate to common places (home, work,...). I hope you've added integration with links that should get you to the correct coordinate too.

Wow! I really like this and will begin testing with GPS, shortly. The maps are great and I like the alternate route options. I'm using the Samsung Note 4. I'll remove other GPS apps such as Scout as soon as I check this out a bit more.

HERE for Gear has been specifically designed for Galaxy Gear S. You can see how it works at http://360.here.com/2015/01/22/get-smart-watch-samsung-gear-s-action/
The reason why we're not including car navigation in the HERE for Gear app is that, according to our tests, it would be too much of a distraction for the driver to look at the wrist for directions.
-Pino from the HERE team

We're definitively considering this opportunity, but we have no concrete plan to announce at this point. However, we are working together with Samsung for their line of Tizen-powered smartwatches, like the Samsung Gear S.
-Pino from the HERE team

I use the current version - can you tell me does the beta version have landscape UI yet? i use my old nexus 7 as my in-car navigation device, 7" is a perfect screen size. the maps work in landscape mode but none of the UI is in landscape so it have to turn my head or try and try and turn teh device in its windscreen mount
i did provide feedback through the release app and play store review suggesting this feature.
Just about to go on 1500 mile road trip, would be nice to have the landscape UI for that!!!

Thanks for the feedback. The app is designed to work in different situations: when you're at home or you're walking around and searching for places, you're probably holding your phone in portrait mode; when you're in the car you're probably using the phone in landscape mode. In this last case the app rotates when in 'drive mode' (including all UI elements). Does it work for you? We're also considering to introduce a landscape mode for other cases.
-Pino from the HERE team

I really dont think you have given very much consideration to landscape mode. let me run you through it

i am holding my device in landscape mode
i start the app
the logo/splash screen IS IN PORTRAIT
the default map for Brandenburg gate IS IN PORTRAIT
I hit the hamburger menu and all of the menu UI IS IN PORTRAIT
I go back to the map and hit search and all of the search history IS IN PORTRAIT
do you see where this is going
yes, eventually when i actually get it setup for a route and start the navigation it goes to landscape, but i am usually starting to swear at it by then.
please listen to the feedback on this, i cant believe i am only the person who takes issue with this

I've been asking for this ever since Here came out, why on Earth can't it just auto rotate... then it doesn't matter what way up you hold it, it works. No ones ever came back and said why this isn't possible. It's an easy fix and it pleases everyone.

I haven't used it in a while (only because I haven't had a need) but I love this offline GPS program! I've tried four or so others and this one works the best. Dunno what I'll do when Google Maps finally goes offline... choices... tough choices.

Pino from the HERE team: thanks for an awesome product!

Samsung: this is why we need to have external SD cards (I don't care if your new file system can't handle the speed changes (or whatever that complaint is) between it and the old extSD, but then I don't use my extSD for speed). Offline GPS maps (along with music and pictures and...) for the win!

I was in Namibia last week and HERE turned out to be the best tool I had brought along. Google map failed to find the some of the places we were desperately looking for and HERE just took us straight to them. That is extremely important when you're in another country.

I came over from Windows Phone, and I absolutely love this app. It isn't as proficient on Android, but still very good. I drive a local delivery truck, and I lean very heavily on GPS to find stores on my route, as my route changes daily. I HAVE to have the offline ability or I will DESTROY my data plan in a hurry. The one thing I don't like is the voice options. The only American voice you get is male, no female option, and both British voices are annoying. I would really like a female American voice that is clear and precise and easy to hear. Beyond that, I am very happy with this app and can't wait to see how Nokia can make it even better.

To Pino and the HERE team:
Coming from Windows Phone I've used your Drive/Maps/Transit services for a few years now (and I'm also using your maps in my car (BMW iDrive)).
You have a great app here on Android, specially the offline mode! But just like many others I'd love to see real routing functionality (waypoints etc), either in the app or the ability to create and send routes from your website (make use of that HERE account...).
Keep up the good work!

Paul, Here is almost perfect IMO.. In my recent road trips in the US, we used here however it has one massive limitation IMO.. It doesn't speak out the name of the exit or get into xxx road... Just tell you to take an exit in let's say 0.5miles however you have to keep looking at the screen as you don't know the name of the exit... Google maps actually says this all out so it's much better that way... Hope you get what I mean..

I really like the Here app and use it in the car all the time. The only problem I have with it is that it is very annoying having to go to the menu and click "Drive" every time when first opening the app.
I always view my maps in landscape mode. It seems strange that when I rotate my phone the app doesn't auto rotary as well.
But other than that, thanks for the app.